Kern County leaders have taken several different approaches to pot shops in the last few years.

Going back to August 2011, county supervisors enacted an emergency ordinance on how much marijuana could be grown for medical use. That limit was 12 plants per parcel. At that time, the board also enacted an ordinance that banned store-front dispensaries. That was set to take effect in September 2011.

In February 2012, county supervisors then repealed the ordinance banning the dispensaries and put Measure G on the ballot.

"The county zoning ordinance promotes and protects the public health, safety, and welfare of the community through the orderly regulation of land uses," Board Chair Leticia Perez said in a county news release. "Medical marijuana dispensaries are not allowed in the unincorporated areas of Kern County under section 19.02.060 of the county's zoning ordinance, and the county intends to protect the community by enforcing its zoning ordinance. Dispensaries will be issued cease-and-desist letters to give them an opportunity to voluntarily shut down their operations and avoid litigation."